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Harper Government Supports War of 1812 Commemoration in Prescott

PRESCOTT, ON, Sept. 18, 2012 /CNW/ - An investment by the Government of
Canada will help people in Prescott commemorate the 200th anniversary
of the War of 1812. Support for the Prescott Bicentennial Committee was
announced today by Gordon Brown, Member of Parliament
(Leeds-Grenville), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of
Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Funding will go towards a re-enactment of a British raid against an
American post at Ogdensburg during the War of 1812. The raid's success
removed the American threat on this portion of the St. Lawrence River,
which had impeded river traffic between Prescott and Montreal. It
opened up a strategic supply route to Montreal and kept it open for the
duration of the war.

"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150th
birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to
invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and
define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to
celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous,
and free country we are today."

"By supporting the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the War of
1812, our Government is giving Canadians and tourists the chance to
learn more about this event of national significance and how it has
been instrumental in shaping the Canada that we know today," said Mr.
Brown. "We are proud to provide support for activities that honour
Canadian heroes and commemorate those who helped defend our country in
a time of crisis."

"The Prescott Bicentennial Committee, who organized a very successful
bicentennial in 2010 to celebrate the founding of Prescott, is very
happy that we have been awarded funding and have the opportunity to
bring history to life with a re-enactment of the 200th anniversary of
Prescott's Raid on Ogdensburg, New York, in February 2013," said
Suzanne Dodge, Chair of the Prescott Bicentennial Committee. "We would like to thank the Government of Canada and our MP Gord Brown
for their continued commitment to cultural heritage in Prescott - the
Heritage Fort Town on the St. Lawrence River."

The commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the British raid against
the American post at Ogdensburg will be held at Fort Wellington with
the participation of 60 re-enactors. The event will also include a
series of lectures and discussions related to Prescott, Fort
Wellington, and Ogdensburg during the War of 1812, as well as the
creation of a large mural on the side of a local building in downtown
Prescott. These activities will provide people in the Prescott region
with the opportunity to learn about the community's involvement in the
War of 1812, while promoting tourism and leaving a lasting legacy of
this historical moment in our nation's history.

The Government of Canada has provided funding in the amount of $31,800
through Canadian Heritage's 1812 Commemoration Fund. The Fund supports community-based projects to foster greater awareness
and understanding of the importance of this conflict.

Visit 1812.gc.ca to learn more about the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For further information:

(Media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages 819-997-7788